Former board members defend now-dissolved elections panel

MADISON (AP) -- Former members of the now-dissolved Government Accountability Board are defending the work they did in the face of an investigation by Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel.

Eleven former judges who previously served on the GAB issued a statement Friday saying "we are proud of the work we did and of the people who worked for us." They say they welcome a "fair and honest review of that work that is free of political considerations."

Senate Republicans in December authorized fellow Republican Schimel to launch an investigation into the conduct of former workers at the agency that oversaw ethics and elections.

Republicans contend the GAB was on a partisan witch hunt against Gov. Scott Walker and Republicans. The Legislature disbanded the GAB in 2015.